In a major blow to Microsoft (MSFT), Samsung (005930) revealed that it has canceled plans to launch Windows RT devices in the United States. The company previously announced the ATIV Tab, a 10.1-inch slate that was powered by an ARM-based processor and Windows RT. Mike Abary, Samsung USA’s senior vice president of its PC and tablet businesses, said in an interview with CNET on Thursday that the company’s retail partners indicated demand for such products was modest at best. The executive also said that it would take too much time and money for Samsung to inform consumers about the benefits of Windows RT.

The company’s decision may hurt Microsoft, which is looking to increase its mobile market share, more than anything else. Samsung is one of the world’s top providers of smartphones and tablets and without its support, Windows RT now has a much lower chance of success.

Abary did note that if the operating system takes off, however, the company will reevaluate its decision.

Samsung isn’t the first mainstream manufacturer to ditch Windows RT. Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) also scrapped its RT tablet plans last year after Microsoft announced the Surface.

http://bgr.com/2013/01/11/samsung-windows-rt-tablets-cancelled-289406/

How many PHONES do we need ? seriously STOP IT!!.

Uh ... wow. That's not good. That means no phones either?

I wonder if Google gently gave Samsung a nice little nudge.

Not really surprised. No one really wants Windows RT. Anyone relatively informed who wants a Windows device will likely get a Surface or something with Windows 8.

The current Surface is Windows RT. The  future Surface with Windows 8 is out of most people's price range ($1000 with keyboard).

They will still build Laptops running Windows 8.

And positive news: Dell builds first Windows 8 tablet below $500
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2024490/dells-499-windows-8-tablet-looks-like-a-win-for-business.html

Can someone remind me what Win08 phones were revealed at CES? Don't think I saw even one yet

Samsung should just stick to Android since its working very well for them. They don't need to make Windows phones as well, cause they've already cemented their position as the biggest Android manufacturer for both high and low end models. Companies like HTC, who are finding it difficult to compete in the Android market should focus more on Windows. Maybe if it works out for them, they could become the dominant manufacturer for Windows OS.

I never really got the point of Win RT, after it was reviled that full Win 8 was designed with tablets in mind. It has shit all apps and doesn't perform all that well. For power users that want a full computer experience on tablet Win 8 is what you want, for everyone else Android and iPad seem like much better options as they both have better app ecosystems.

Intels new low power 7 watt TDP Ivy Bridge Core CPUs are the final nail in Win RT's coffin. Along with the improved Atom chips that are actually usable.

I don't understand the existence of RT, they should hurry up with Surface Pro, why didn't we hear about it on CES? When do they come out??